№ 535-542. Popular singers of Russian stage.

Leonid O. Utesov (1895-1982). A singer, People's Artist of the USSR (1965). Utesov began as an artist in 1911, and in 1921 joined operetta. In 1929 he became an organisator, director, and soloist of the USSR's first jazz orchestra (Tea-Jazz, later The State Variety Orchestra of the RSFSR). As an artist, Leonid Utesov promoted lyricism, zest for life, and love for the homeland. He and his orchestra performed many popular songs by Soviet composers, and took part in a movie "Jolly Fellows" (1934). The stamp features a portrait of L.Utesov and a picture of his orchestra when performing on stage.

Lidia A. Ruslanova (1900-1973). A variety singer, a Honoured Artist of the RSFSR (1942). Lidia Ruslanova started performing on stage in 1917. In 1933-1948 she worked for the Musical and Variety Department of the State Union of Musical, Variety, and Circus Enterprises. Ruslanova was an excellent folk singer, famous for her lyricism, melodious singing, and panache. A fine improviser, she also performed many songs by Soviet composers. The stamp features a portrait of L.Ruslanova, and Ruslanova in a folk costume in summer landscape.

Klavdia I. Shulzhenko (1906-1984). A variety singer, People's Artist of the USSR (1971). Since 1929 K.Shulzhenko worked for Lengosestrada enterprise, in 1943 she joined Moskontsert. She is one of the founders of the Soviet variety singing. Shulzhenko's trademark singing style was famous for its sincerity and cordiality. She was the first performer of many popular Soviet songs. The stamp features a portrait of Klavdia Shulzhenko, an a fragment from her concert.

Mark N. Bernes (1911-1969). An actor, People's Artist of the RSFSR (1965). In the many roles he played in Soviet movies, Mark Bernes displayed his sincerity, charm, and cordiality. Since 1950 he was a popular variety singer, many of which he wrote himself in collaboration with popular poets and composers. As a singer, Mark Bernes was famous for his original highly melodical style. The stamp features a portrait of Mark Bernes and a fragment from his movie "A man with a rifle" (1938).

Bulat S. Okudzhava (1924-1997). A poet, a writer, a song-writer and singer. Okudzhava was famous for his acoustic guitar-accompanied songs which successfully combined the features of chancon and traditional Russian romances. In 1950s-1970s his creative work facilitated the development of the so-called "author's songs". The stamp features a portrait of B.Okudzhava, and Moscow's Arbat street in the background.

Vladimir Vysotsky (1938-1980). An actor, a poet, an song-writer and singer. V.Vysotsky created a new trend of "author's songs" based on the urban romance traditions. His lyrics and songs, full of truth, and acute sense of justice, tell about courage, trust, and kindness. His favourite hero is a strong and tragic personality, who fights to the end and never gives up. In 1964 Vladimir Vysotsky joined the Moscow Taganka Theatre. He also played in many movies. The stamp features a portrait of V.Vysotsky and a fragment from his concert.

Igor Talkov (1956-1991). A poet, composer, and singer. His poetry is famous for its philosophical attitude to the world and human life. In his songs he tried to find his way in the world, to promote the true values, to find harmony in the life, and to foresee the future of Russia. He is also famous for his love lyrics. The stamp features a portrait of Igor Talkov and the text of this famous song "Russia".

Viktor R. Tsoi (1962-1990). A musician, singer, creator, director and frontman of KINO, a popular rock band. KINO, founded in 1984, was a three-times award winner of Leningrad rock festivals (1984, 1985, 1987). Tsoi's romantic music and lyrics reflect the day-to-day life and feelings of the youth. Viktor Tsoi also played in a few movies. The stamp features a portrait of Viktor Tsoi, and a fragment from his concert "A star called The Sun".